Chapter 7 - The Interrogation of Chloe
Despite my refusal to participate, the family meeting happened anyway via a chaotic Zoom call on Sunday night.
Aunt Susan, God bless her, recorded the entire thing and came over on Monday to show me the footage.
We sat on my couch with mugs of tea, watching my family implode on a 13-inch screen.
There were about twelve relatives on the call, all staring at a very red-faced Chloe.
Uncle Mark was leading the charge, looking completely merciless in his reading glasses.
"Chloe, I checked with the restaurant manager," Mark said, his voice echoing through the computer speakers.
"He confirmed that Sarah paid the deposit, and you ordered three bottles of $200 champagne after she left."
Chloe immediately burst into theatrical tears, burying her face in her hands.
"I was stressed!" she wailed to the webcam.
"Sarah always has to make everything about her and her perfect little twins!"
Aunt Carol, who usually stayed out of the drama, finally unmuted herself.
"Chloe, she brought two children with a handmade pot, and you threw them out," Carol snapped.
"You ordered expensive champagne on her dime, and now you want us to feel sorry for you?"
Dad tried to interject, attempting his usual rescue mission for his golden child.
"Now everyone, let's not attack Chloe, this is a family matter and we need to forgive," Dad pleaded.
Uncle Mark slammed his hand down on his desk, making the webcam rattle.
"Richard, shut up," Mark barked.
"Your daughter owes me two thousand, one hundred dollars."
"If she doesn't wire it to me by tomorrow at noon, I am calling her husband's commanding officer."
Chloe's head snapped up, her face draining of all color.
Her husband was in the military, and unpaid debts were a massive issue for his security clearance.
"You wouldn't!" Chloe gasped.
"Watch me," Mark replied, and then he abruptly ended his feed.
I paused the video and looked at Aunt Susan, absolutely speechless.
"Did she pay him?" I asked.
May you like
Susan smiled, a wicked little gleam in her eye.
"She had to empty her vacation fund to do it, but yes, Mark got his money this morning."
